Fionn Bheinn
Ascent : 830m, distance : 11km
Fionn Bheinn is not a particulary exciting or interesting hill, however due to its isolation, the summit affords great views to the other Fannaichs and peaks to the west. On a clear day the route couldn't be more obvious.
Park by the railway station in Achnasheen, then cross the main road and head up a track by the farm. Through the farm gates - there's usually a lot of sheep around here, then start climbing up pathless grassy ground. Keep heading nnw. Over one bump marked Creagan nan Laogh, then more of the same to Fionn Bheinn's coire - Toll Mor, where turn left and the summit trig point is a few minutes further on. Return by thte same route.
Alternatives :
From Fannich Lodge
Ascent : 2850m, distance : 37.5km
Hidden in trees just east of Grudie Power Station, a private road heads to Loch Fannich. There's no problem cycling up here, but it is also possible to drive with permission from the estate keeper (01997414318). There's a cottage for rent here too ! During August to October, the estate asks if you can contact the keeper to find out where stalking is taking place. The road has been tarred to the lodge, thereafter a rough, but cyclable track heads west for 6km to a ruin at Nest. A wet path heads north to a bridge, turn north-west over wet grass and tussocks and climb to the bealach between Toman Coinnich and A'Chailleach. Bag the munros in the reverse of the main route and reach An Coileachan. Aim south over grass then heather and drop back down to Loch Fannich.
Bite size chunks
You might find doing 3000m ascent over 30km just a bit much, if so split the main route into three smaller outings :
A'Chailleach and Sgurr Bhreac
Ascent : 1175m, distance : 16km
From the lay-by on the Destitution Road, 6km on from Braemore Junction, head down on the track to Loch a'Bhraoin. Cross to bridge and start to head uphill. A wet path climbs directly up towards the crags of Leitir Fhearna, getting drier and twisty further up. A small cairn is reached at the top of this craggy nose, from which continue on a faint and occasionally wet path over grass for 1km sw. The path turns s, then instead of keeping to the crest, suprisingly starts to contour on the west side of Druim Reidh. Keep on this path which continues to the col between A'Chailleach and Toman Coinich, hitting a bouldery section on the way. At the col follow a line of fence posts and obvious path to the summit of A'Chailleach.Return to the col, head over Toman Coinich to another col, then on a path head up to the two summit cairns of Sgurr Breac.
For the return you could re-visit Toman Coinich and head out on the route in. However I've found it more enjoyable to run down the east shoulder of Sgurr Breac, then pick up a good, if wet, path heading north following the Allt Breabaig back to Loch a'Bhraoin.
Meall a'Chrasgaidh, Sgurr nan Clach Geala and Sgurr nan Each
Ascent : 1150m, distance : 17km
Start as the route above and head down to Loch a'Bhraoin. Cross the bridge, then head se on the wet path to meet the Allt Breabaig. The path crosses the river (difficult in spate), from where head ese uphill over heather to climb up 650m to Meall a'Chrasgaidh. Bag Sgurr nan Clach Geala and Sgurr nan Each, then head down to the pass between Loch Fannaich and Loch a'Bhraoin as described in the main route. From the pass pick up a good path heading north back to Loch a'Bhraoin and to the road.
An Coileachean, Meall Gorm, Sgurr Mor and Beinn Liath Mor Fannaich with the corbett Beinn Liath Mhor a'Ghuibhais Li
Ascent : 1400m, distance : 22km
From Loch Glascarnoch start off as in the main route, but once you get to the end of the forest, turn east and aim uphill. Just aim directly for Beinn Liath Mhor a'Ghuibhais Li's summit. It's fairly quick to get to and has fine views of the surrounding peaks.
Aim south-west and drop to the flat ground below and continue over Drochaid a'Ghiubhais Li to Meallan Buidhe - it's a trudge ! From Meallan Buidhe, follow the main route as described on the left and climb up An Coileachan then Meall Gorm. Continue along Meall Gorm's crest, dropping around 100m, then pick up a stalkers path which skirts around the next bump and up Meall nam Peithirean. From this minor top, head nw and climb up Sgurr Mor. From Sgurr Mor's large cairn, return a bit, then follow a path around the edge of the coire heading south-east. Drop to a small stone shelter, then continue on the path north-east downhill for 1km to the bealach below Beinn Laith Mhor Fannaich. Stick to the path ahead and continue to its highest point, where turn south-east and climb up around 50m to reach the two untidy cairns on the summit. Return to the top of the path, then follow it to an abrupt end. Head north over a plateau, then, still heading north, start to descend over heather and boulders to reach the Allt a'Mhadaidh. Cross the river and pick up a track to follow to the dam at Loch Droma. A 3km jog back along the A835 awaits for the return back to the car-park.
